The Maine State Fire Marshal is investigating a fatal fire at a Sumner home that was powered exclusively by solar energy and propane.
[RELATED: Fire Marshal’s Office Investigating Falmouth House Fire…]
The Sumner Fire Department responded at approximately 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday following reports of a structure fire on Valley Road.
An individual who spotted the fire from a distance alerted the authorities.
According to the Marshal’s office, first responders experienced significant difficulties reaching the building due to its “off-grid” location. There was a roughly mile-long approach that required firefighters to travel to the house in all-terrain vehicles and pickup trucks.
Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a man dead outside the building. They deemed the structure a total loss. They determined that the structure had been fully powered by propane and solar energy.
Due to the fatality and the circumstances surrounding the fire, the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office began an investigation, which remains ongoing.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is working to identify the deceased man.
